Family Cruises
If you thought cruising wasn't for families, think again.
There are an increasing number of family friendly cruises, offering as many exciting activities for kids as there are for adults. Family cruises are a great way to see a variety of places in one holiday and you can relax in the knowledge that the kids definitely won't get bored. Waking up in a new port every morning to explore a new destination is exciting stuff, if you can get them off the activity-filled ship, that is!
Cruising and family holidays are extremely well suited. You can be confident that a cruise ship is a safe and well cared for environment for your children. Although only a minority of cruise ships do not cater for families, you can be sure many ships do have ample facitilies for families. These include daily programmes which offer a variety of activities designed to keep kids entertained and adults relaxed.
No Worries
Our experienced staff can advise you of the best cruise option for you and your family. Call today on 0844 417 4514 to make an enquiry or to secure your booking.
Family Cruise Suggestions
If you want to escape during the long summer break, ask us about summer cruises. Caribbean, Mediterranean or maybe a more exotic, far flung destination, the choice is yours. Our Cruise Specialists can advise you on the perfect family cruise holiday and the ideal destination.
Royal Caribbean International
A Royal Caribbean cruise is also a great option for a family cruise with a teen-only nightclub, activities centres and age appropriate activities for seven age groups. On some Royal Caribbean ships there are rock climbing walls, ice rinks and surf machines – great if your kids are of the get-up-and-go variety and ideal to make your family cruise a relaxing and memorable one.
Disney Cruise Line ®
For the ultimate family cruise holiday, ask our Cruise Specialists about a Disney cruise. We can combine a Walt Disney World stay with a cruise on-board the Disney Wonder or Disney Magic. What better way to extend the magic after a fun-filled week in the Walt Disney World Parks than to sail with Mickey on a Walt Disney cruise? Give us a call and we can help you find the best family cruise for you and give you details of the latest family cruise deals.
Value For Money
Cruising is very much like a package holiday. Your transportation, meals, accommodation, live entertainment and many activities are included in the price. If you are booking a four birth cabin for four passengers passengers 3 and 4 may be eligible for a reduced rate. For further details about which cruise lines offers this discount please call 0844 417 4514 where one of our cruise specialists will be able to advise you accordingly.
Safety First
A cruise ship is a controlled environment. Whether above or below decks, cruise ships are designed with the safety of families in mind. Some cruise lines offer two way radios or beepers for your children while onboard, however, please ask for this facility when booking your cruise as many cruise lines have limited availability.
Activities For All Ages
If the age of your kids ranges from toddler to teenager then you will find many cruise ships that will provide activities for children of all ages and some cruise ships even offer activities both onboard and onshore including activities centred around the ports of call. Usually split into 3 age ranges, theses groups are a great way for you and your children to make new friends onboard and give you and your partner some time together and piece of mind knowing your kids are having fun in a safe and supervised environment.
Experienced Staff
Cruise ships only use experienced qualified staff so you can be sure they're in good hands. All cruise lines are full insured for supervision, many will be qualified in First-Aid. Please ask at the time of booking about the specific criteria your cruise lines of choice places on its youth workers.
Top Family Cruise
Destinations:
Top family cruise lines:
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnivals 'Fun Ships' offer 5 kids clubs with ages ranging from 2 to 17 years. Children's menus are also available.
Disney Cruise Line ®
Disney Cruise Line ® have activities & excursions designed for the whole family. Cabins are designed for families being more spacious and including split baths in most staterooms.
Holland America Line
Holland America Cruises offers two kids clubs; Club HAL for ages 3 to 12 and The Loft for ages 13 to 17. Children's menus are available as is a baby-sitting service.
NCL Cruises
NCL offer a 'Kid's Crew' programme organised into 4 age groups from 2 to 17 years. Larger cabins are available on some ships for extended families. Freestyle family dining is also available.
Princess Cruises
Princess offer a free kids programme of education and entertainment for children aged 3 to 17 years. They are split into 3 age groups and activities run from 8am to 5pm. There are minimum age restrictions on selected ships.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean offer 8 different groups for children aged 6 months to 17 years. Family Destinations and Shore & Land Excursions are available as is the kids menu and evening programmes. Join your 6 to 36 months old in the fun of Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots. Also available is ice-skating and karaoke, talent shows and bingo tournaments.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises offer clubs, games and activities suited to specific age ranges. A night nursery and an in-cabin listening service ensure your peace of mind. Inter-connecting cabins and cabins with extra beds or sofa beds are also available.
Thomson Cruises
Thomson Cruises offers entertainment and activites for children aged 3 up to their teens. A wide range of meals and snacks are available on their childrens menu. Reduced prices and exemptions on supplements are also available for families.
Island Cruises
Island cruises offers Palmy's Pals kids' club for children aged between 3 and 6 years and Palmy's Crew is for 7-11 year-olds. All bars and restaurants have kids menus and a 24-hour dining option is available.
Things To Think About
We advice that if you are cruising with your family you should ensure that you know the answer to any of the following questions that are applicable to you.
Basics
- What are the age restrictions for the cruise line?
- Do my children's ages qualify them for a discount?
Cabins
- Are cribs or cots available to put in our room? If so, is there a rental fee?
- Are adjoining cabins available and which ships offer them?
- Are guardrails available for bunk beds?
- Do the cabins have a television?
Dining
- Does the cruise ship offer an extensive children's menu?
- Is early seating available or does the ship have "open" seating so that we can eat at a time close to when the children normally dine?
Activities
- Is there a children's-only pool available on the ship?
- Will there be special movies or live entertainment that children will enjoy?
- Are there any shore excursions scheduled that are geared toward children?
- Is there a babysitting service available?
- What are the hours and costs for the babysitting service?
Child Care Centres
- What are the requirements for placing a child in the centre such as age, vaccinations, or potty training?
- How are the children's areas supervised? Is the teen centre supervised?
- What are the hours, costs, and restrictions on the centres?
- What security methods are used when a child is picked up from the centre?
- What is the ratio of children to adult staff in the children's centre?
Cruise Sale Extended
11 Night Orlando Stay & Caribbean Cruise On Board The Brand New Disney Dream
Includes Free Car Hire & Half Price Car Chauffeur to the Airport
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- 11 Nights from £1,119
- February 2012 - March 2013
- Complimentary v-room
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- Virgin Atlantic Flights
Caribbean Itinerary: Port Canaveral (Florida), Nassau (Bahamas), Castaway Cay (Disney's own private island)
- 7nts 3 star Stay at Rosen Inn Poine, Orlando
- 4nts Full Board Cruise on Disney Dream
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Cruise Sale Extended
7 Night Mediterranean Cruise On Board Norwegian Epic
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- 7 Nights from £699
- April 2012 - October 2012
- Exclusive Rockstar Service
- Direct Flights & Resort Transfers Included
- Exclusive To Virgin Holidays Cruises
Mediterranean Itinerary: Barcelona (Spain), Naples (Italy), Civitavecchia (for Rome) (Italy), Livorno (Italy), Villefranche (France), Marseille (France)
- 7 Nights Norwegian Epic Full Board Cruise
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Cruise Sale Extended
14 Nights Orlando Stay & Caribbean Cruise on board Norwegian Epic
Up To $100 On Board Spend
- 14 Nights from £999
- February 2012 - April 2013
- Complimentary Car Hire Included
- Direct Virgin Atlantic Flights Included
- FREE Car Hire Included
Caribbean Itinerary: Miami (Florida), St. Maarten (Caribbean), St. Thomas (Caribbean), Nassau (Bahamas)
- 3 Nights 3 Star Rosen inn at Pointe Orlando
- 7 Nights Norwegian Epic Full Board Cruise
- 4 Nights3 Star Rosen inn at Pointe Orlando
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Cruise Sale Extended - Save up to £840 Per Couple!
14 Nights Orlando Stay & Caribbean Cruise On Board Freedom of the Seas
14 Nights for the price of 10
- 14 Nights from £1,099
- February 2012 - March 2013
- Additional Rockstar Service benefits Included
- Free Car Hire
- Fly Direct With Virgin Atlantic
Caribbean Itinerary: Port Canaveral (Florida), Labadee (Haiti), Falmouth (Jamaica), George Town (Grand Cayman), Cozumel (Mexico)
- 3 Night 3 Star Stay in Orlando
- 7 Night Freedom of the Seas Full Board Cruise
- 4 Night 3 Star Stay in Orlando
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Cruise Sale Extended
14 Night Orlando Stay & Caribbean Cruise On Board Oasis & Allure Of The Seas
FREE Upgrade to 4* Hotel!
- 14 Nights from £1,199
- February 2012 - December 2012
- Return Flights Included
- Fly Direct With Virgin Atlantic
Caribbean Itinerary: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Labadee (Haiti), Falmouth (Jamaica), Cozumel (Mexico)
- 3nts stay 3 star Orlando Hotel
- 7nts Oasis or Allure of the Seas Cruise
- 4nts stay 3 star Orlando Hotel
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Cruise Sale Extended
9 Night Emirates Stay and Cruise On Board Brilliance of the Seas
- 9 Nights from £1,399
- February 2012 - March 2012
- FREE Hotel Room Upgrade Included!
- Direct Virgin Atlantic Flights and Resort Transfers
- Exclusive Rockstar Service Included
Dubai Itinerary: Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Muscat (Oman), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
- 7nts Brilliance of the Seas Cruise
- 2nts 5 Star B&B Stay at the Atlantis, The Palm
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